Annual Archives of Common Good Activity

Pitch an Angel - for your entrepreneurial idea to effect change!
Thursday, February 26th
Smith Union Conference Room
Do you have an innovative solution to a pressing social problem? Ever had an entrepreneurial idea that you wrote down on the back of an envelope but then didn't know what to do with it? As part of the National Entrepreneurial Week (2/21-2/28), Maine's Small Enterprise Growth Fund (SEGF) and Maine Angels are co-hosting free feedback sessions for innovative ideas at Bowdoin College. In these sessions, individuals and small groups can meet one-on-one with investors who invest in Maine's early stage companies to share ideas. Sessions are limited to a maximum of 15 minutes. Pitch your idea, explain your most pressing challenge, talk about whatever is on your entrepreneurial mind and, in the process, perhaps build a basis for a relationship going forward. Chris Speh, Class of '67 and Chair of Maine Angels (http://www.maineangels.org) joins John Burns, SEGF President (http://www.segfmaine.com/Investment/segf_difference.php). Sessions run between 1:00-4:00pm. Open by appointment only to any interested entrepreneur on campus. No formal presentations or written materials are expected, though backs of envelopes are most welcome. Particular interest in social entrepreneurship. To schedule a session, please contact Terri Wark at SEGF at 373-9306.

Maine NEW Leadership
Offered by the Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center
June 11-16, 2009
Application due March 20, 200
Research suggests that while women are less likely than men to consider themselves qualified to run for office or to be encouraged to run for office, providing role models and mentoring opportunities has a positive impact on women’s civic involvement and political interest. This six-day residential non-partisan training program will address the historic and contemporary under-representation of women in American politics. By participating in the program, a diverse group of college women from Maine will gain a greater awareness of their leadership potential, skills, and opportunities in civic life and public office. No cost to college women throughout Maine. For more information http://mcspolicycenter.umaine.edu/?q=NEWleadership.

The Urban Institute Summer Academy for Public Policy
Washington D.C.
June 7 - August 2, 2009Application due March 12, 2009
The Urban Institute Summer Academy for Public Policy Analysis and Research provides a unique and challenging learning experience for minority college students who are interested in careers in public policy research. This eight-week summer program will give rising seniors the skills and exposure crucial to obtaining highly competitive entry positions in the field. The UI Summer Academy is free to students who are accepted and includes round trip transportation to Washington, DC; housing at nearby George Washington University dormitories and a $4,000 stipend. To learn more http://www.urban.org/uisa/index.cfm.

UNESCO Laura W. Bush Traveling Fellowship
International Travel Fellowships for Summer 2009
Application Due: March 1, 2009
This fellowship is intended for American college/university students who express an interest in international collaboration but as of yet had not been afforded many opportunities to travel abroad. The length of time for the travel is expected to be between 4 and 6 weeks and should include interaction with individuals from other nations. During his/her travel, the recipient should be willing to participate in public diplomacy events arranged with the pertinent U.S. State Department Consulate, Mission, and/or Embassy. Following the travel, the recipient agrees to submit a report describing experiences and analyzing objectives achieved; share his/her experiences with others; and be available to make a presentation at the Annual Meeting of the U.S. National Commission for UNESCO. Thus far, U.S. National Commission for UNESCO Laura W. Bush Traveling Fellows have traveled to and conducted meaningful work in: Honduras, Guatemala, India, Afghanistan, Dominican Republic, and Kyrgyzstan. More information on the program can be found at: www.state.gov/p/io/unesco/c25462/htm.

Samuel Huntington Public Service Award
Funding for One Year Individually Designed project
Application due February 13, 2009
The Samuel Huntington Public Service Award provides a $10,000 stipend for a graduating college senior to pursue one year of public service anywhere in the world. The award allows recipients to engage in a meaningful public service activity for one year before proceeding on to graduate school or a career. To apply, develop a proposal for public service in the United States or abroad. The proposal may encompass any activity that furthers the public good. It can be undertaken as an individual or by working through established charitable, religious, educational, governmental, or other public service organizations. For more information http://www.nationalgridus.com/commitment/d4-1_award.asp.

Community Matters in Maine Summer Fellowships
June 1st - August 7th
Application due Friday, February 13th
The Community Matters in Maine Summer Fellowships provide students the opportunity to work and serve in the local community through a placement in a non-profit organization. Capitalizing on students' interests, the fellowship allows students to explore work in the public sector while developing an understanding of issues at the local level. Community Action Fellows work with organizations addressing issues of social/civic concern http://www.bowdoin.edu/mckeen-center/fellowships-beyond/community-matters-in-maine.shtml. Placements include: Five River Arts Alliance (the Arts), Oasis Health Care, Inc. (Public Health), The Mitchell Institute (Educational Policy), and Volunteer Lawyers Project (Public Law). There is also a possibility of a placement at Preble Street Resource Center in Portland (Homelessness). The Psi Upsilon/Logan Environmental Fellows http://www.bowdoin.edu/environmental-studies/beyond/psi-u-internship/application-pt-2.shtml
work with organizations addressing issues related to the environment. Placements include: Town of Brunswick Planning Department, Town of Topsham Planning Department, Maine Island Trails Association, Lower Kennebec Regional Land Trust, Natural Resource Council of Maine, Maine Audubon, Maine League of Conservation Voters. Applications available on the ES and McKeen Center websites.

The Children's Defense Fund Young Advocate Training Program“Our Children. Our Hope. Our Future.
Today. Tomorrow. Together.”March 20 - 22, 2009
Clinton, Tennessee (near Knoxville)
Application due February 4, 2009
The YALT program is a three-day, intensive training program for young advocates between the ages of 18-24 who are interested in developing their knowledge and skills in child advocacy. This program connects young leaders, community organizers and child advocates to learn new advocacy skills, models and strategies that can be implemented in your communities back home and on your college campuses to help children and strengthen families. CDF covers travel costs, meals and lodging for the three days and will make all travel arrangements. For more information http://www.childrensdefense.org/site/PageServer?pagename=YALT